Modular electrical connector

ABSTRACT

A modular electrical connector assembly comprising a plurality of blocks each having flat top and bottom faces with the front faces having interfitting projections and recesses to permit the blocks to be stacked. In the blocks are deep recesses opening to front and rear faces of the blocks through slots. Removable and interchangeable electrically conductive members are seated in the deep recesses. Some members have externally projecting prongs. Others have spring contacts with flexible fingers. Rear ends of the members extend outwardly of rear faces of the blocks for attachment of external circuit wires. A framework surrounds the blocks and includes plates with integral channels engaged in lateral grooves in the blocks. Threaded rods extend through the channels and through apertured end plates on opposite ends of the stack. Nuts engage the rods to hold the framework securely in place surrounding the blocks.

United States Patent 1 N ff Apr. 30, 1974 MODULAR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR [75] Inventor: Ralph D. Neff, Pittsfield, N.l-l. [57] ABSTRACT Asslgnee: Vemltron Corporauon Great Neck A modular electrical connector assembly comprising a plurality of blocks each having flat top and bottom [22] Filed: Feb. 28, 1972 faces with the front faces having interfitting projections and recesses to permit the blocks to be stacked. PP 229,768 In the blocks are deep recesses opening to front and rear faces of the blocks through slots. Removable and 521 US. Cl. 339/132 13, 339/210 M interchangeable electrically Conductive members are 511 1m. (:1 H0lr 13/46 Seated in the deep feeeseessome members have 5a 1 Field of Search 339/121, 132 B, 134, 196, temally Projecting p Others have p g contacts 339 1 198 G, 210 20 with flexible fingers. Rear ends of the members extend outwardly of rear faces of the blocks for attachment of 5 References Cited external circuit wires. A framework surrounds the UNITED STATES PATENTS blocks and includes'plates with integral channels en- I gaged in lateral grooves in the blocks. Threaded rods 11/12:: l:989:890 2/1935 Slade et al. 339/134 end Plates Ppos1te ends the stack .Nuts engage 2,750,572 6/1956 the rods to hold the framework securely 1n place sur- Primary Examiner-Richard E. Moore 7 Attorney, Agent, or Firm.-Edward l-l. Loveman Eoxm; 339/206 P X rounding the blocks.

' 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures MODULAR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR This invention relates to electrical connectors and more particularly concerns an electrical connector assembly of modular construction which can be interchangeably provided with any desired number of connector blocks, any one of which can interchangeably receive prong or socket members. v

Connector assemblies heretofore known have generally been adapted to receive removable blocks each one of which has a fixed construction, i.e. it carries prongs or socket members in a preset construction which cannot be quickly and easily changed.

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior known electrical connectors, by employing a modular construction in which blocks of the same or similar configuration may be mounted side-by-side in a frame. The blocks have projections which interfit with recesses in adjacent blocks. Prongs or spring contact members may be inserted interchangeably and selectively in the several blocks as desired.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector assembly in which a plurality of removably insulative connector blocks are installed in a framework, with recesses in the blocks for insertion of prongs or spring contact members.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an assembly as described, wherein the blocks have interfitting projections and other corresponding recesses to form a unitary assembly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly as described wherein the prongs and spring contact members are so constructed as to be interchangeably inserted in the first named recesses in the blocks.

12a, 12b which are identical in construction, end an end or base block 120 and 12d respectively located at each and of the assembly 10. A frame 15 surrounds the blocks and includes a pair of identical side members 16a, 16b formed wih flat flanges 18 which are provided with holes 20 for receiving screws or bolts to mount the assembly on a panel or other support. A pair of angle bars or plates 22a, 22b which are identical are disposed respectively above and below the blocks 12d and 120 (FIG. 4). A removable and interchangeable prong 24 or a spring contact member 25 may be inserted as desired in respective recess 48 in the blocks 12a, 12b and 120. A lug 26, 28 from a respective prong 24 or spring contact member 25 extend rearwardly of the blocks for connection of appropriate electric circuit wires thereto.

The details of construction are shown to best advantage in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 to'which reference is now made. Each of the modular blocks 12a and 12b have a parallel flat horizontal face 27 and 29 and flatrespective front and rear faces 30, 32 and a pair of similar lateral fingers 34, 36 respectively located at each side thereof. The pairs of fingers each define a vertical channel 38 thereinbetween and open laterally of each respective block. In the face 29 are two spaced apart narrow shallow recesses 40 each located near a lateral end of the block and which extend into the block from the face 29 toward the face 30. Adjacent to each of the recesses 40 and parallel thereto is a deeper recess 42 and between each pair of the recesses 40, 42 is a short upstanding projection or ridge 44. (FIG. 4) Another 7 short projection or ridge 45 identical to the ridge 44 is Still another object of the present invention is to provide an assemblyas described with a frame of quickly mountable and demountable parts for installation on and removal from a set of connector blocks.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the blocks with channels which receive channel members of the frame to form a strong, solid rectangular structure adapted for mounting on a panel or other support.

These and other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the'following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an oblique front view of an electrical connector assembly embodying the invention;

. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of parts of th assembly shown in inverted position;

FIG. 5 is a top planview of single connector block with prong and spring contact member: and

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the electrical connector assembly.

Referring, now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 an electrical connector assembly generally designated by ref disposed parallel to each of the recesses 42 and spaced inwardly thereof. On the face 27 are two spaced apart narrow upstanding projections or ridges 46 each disposedadjacent to the channels 38 (FIG. 5). Adjacent to each of the ridges 46' is a recess 48 which extends through the block between the faces 30, 32 and with a respective slot 50, 52 located at each respective face. The sides of the slot 50 are beveled outwardly toward the face 30. Within each of the recesses 48 (FIG. 5) are two short narrow projections or ridges 56 and between the two ridges 56 is a long shallow recess 58 into which is-fitted a center portion 24 of the prong 24 when the prong 24 is inserted entirely through the recess 48 with the lug 26 extending outwardly of the slot 52.

When the blocks 12a, 12b are juxtaposed, the face 27 of one block abuts the face 29 of the adjacent block and the ridges 46 fit into recesses 40 (FIG. 3). The center portion 24 of the prong 24 fits into the recess 42 and the ridges 44, 45 extend into the recess 48.

The spring contact member 25 comprises a single springy strip bent into a V-shape with an apex 60.,Each of the legs 62 of the strip are bent inwardly at a bight 63 to form a pair of free spring fingers 64; (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). The legs 62 and the fingers 64 of the spring contact member 25 fit into the recess 48 (FIG. 5). The curved bights 63 fit between the wall of the recess 48 and the ridge 56 (FIG. 5). The leg portion 62 of each of the contacts 25 extends outwardly through the slot 52 with the lug 28 disposed between the outer leg portions 62 of the contact member 25 and held in place by engagement of a tip 68 in the lug engaging in a hole 70 formed in one of the legs 62. Both lugs 26 and 28 have respective threaded holes 72, 74 which receive a respective screw 75, 76 by means of which circuit wires are attached to the prong and the spring contact member respectively. The ridges 44, 45 are parallel to the ridges 56 and also fit between the legs 62 and fingers 64 of the spring contact member 25. By this arrangement either the lug 24 or the spring contact member 25 may be locked in place in the recess 48, and the blocks 12a, 12b are disposed in abutment with the ridges 46 interfitting in the respective recess 40.

The block 120 substantially the same construction as blocks 12a and 12b and corresponding parts are identically numbered. This block will receive either two prongs, two spring contact members, or one of each just the same as the blocks 12a and 12b. The block 120 has a smooth flat face 29 upon which rests end plate 22b (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4).

The base block 12d has fingers 34', 36 which are substantially the same as the fingers 34, 36 of the blocks 12a, 12b and 12c. This block has an inner face 29" formed with shallow recesses 40 and inner deeper recesses 42'. The recesses 40' receive the ridges 46 of the block 12a and the recesses 42 receive the prong portions 24. The ridges 44 and 45 of the block 12d enter the recess 48 of the block 12a and engage between the spring fingers 64 and the legs 62 of the spring contact member 25. The outer face 27' of the block 12d is flat and the Plate 22a abuts the face 27. The flanges 18 of the frame members 16a and 16b are formed with integral inner channel moldings 80 which fit in the aligned channels 38, 38'. These channel moldings receive threaded rods or screws 82 which extend through holes 84 formed in the plates 22a, 22b. The ends of the rods are engaged by nuts 86. By this arrangement there is defined the rigid framework 15 surrounding the abutted blocks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d holding them in place as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

It will now be apparent that more or less than three blocks may. be assembled together. If.only a single block carrying prongs or spring contact members is desired the block 12c may be assembled with the block 12d. If two blocks carrying contactmembers are desired, the assembly will have blocks 12a, 12d and 12e. If more than three blocks carrying prongs or contact members are required, additional blocks like blocks 12a and 12b may be used. Thus as shown in FIG. 6, four identical blocks 12a, 12b, l2e and 12f are provided along with the block 12c and the block 12d. Longer lateral plates 16a and 16b with longer flanges 18 are required and longer threaded rods 82' may be employed. Other parts of assembly a Corresponding to assembly 10 are identically numbered.

It will be noted that different combinations of connector elements may be employed. Thus block 12a in FIG. 6 carries two contact members 25. The block 12b has one contact member 25 and one prong 24 in left and right positions respectively. The block l2e has two prongs 24 and the block 12f has one prong 24 and one spring contact member 25 in left and right positions respectively. The block 120 has two spring contact members 25 in right and left positions.

The modular constructions described permit greater flexibility in making up connector blocks to suit any particular installation. The arrangement of prongs and spring contact members and of the blocks within the frame can be changed at will. No tools are required to insert a prong or spring contact member in a block or to remove it therefrom. A simple wrench is used to tighten and loosen nuts 86 for assembling and disassembling the frame. The blocks may be made of a rigid molded phenolic or other insulative plastic material. The prongs are made of an electrically conductive metal such as brass or copper and may be plated with corrosion resistant metal such as cadmium or the like.

It should be understood that the foregoing relates to only a preferred embodiment of the invention, and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the example of the invention herein chosen for the purposes of the disclosure, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The Invention claimed is:

1. A modular electrical connector assembly, comprising a plurality of insulative blocks of equal cross sectional area, each block having a flat top and a flat bottom face and a front and a rear side, whereby the blocks may be placed one upon the other to form a stacked array with their respective front and rear sides in coplanar disposition,

at least one of said blocks having a projection on one face thereof for engaging in a first recess in one face of an adjacent block in said array so that said blocks are prevented from twisting displacement in said array;

said one block having a second recess in said one face;

removable and interchangeable electrically conductive members in said second recess;

the front side of said one block have the first slots opening into said second recess to provide access thereto, the rear side of said one block having second slots opening into said second recess, rear ends of said members extending outwardly of said second slots for attachment of external circuit wires thereto;

said adjacent block having other projections on said one face thereof extending into said second recess to engage said conductive members therein and hold them in place in said second recess; and wherein each of said blocks has grooves formed in lateral ends thereof, and a framework surrounding said array of blocks, said framework comprising a pair of plates having integral channels inserted in said grooves to hold said blocks in alignment.

2. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members comprises a prong extending out of said first slot in said front face of said one block for engaging an external circuit element.

3. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members comprises a spring contact having flexible fingers disposed on one of said second recesses for engaging an external electrically conductive element.

4. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said framework further comprises a pair of apertured end plates respectively abutting top and bottom ends of said array of blocks; threaded rods extending through said channels and apertures in said end plates; and nuts engaging said rods to maintain said framework in position surrounding said blocks.

5. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein another one of said blocks has one face thereof juxtaposed to the other face of said one block, said other face of said one block having third spaced recesses therein, said one face of said other block having other projections engaging in said third recesses, and having fourth spaced recesses; and further removable and interchangeable electrically conductive members in said fourth recesses; the front side of said other block having slots opening into said fourth recesses to provide access thereto.

6. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 5, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members in either of said one and other blocks comprises a prong extending out of said respective second or fourth recesses to engage an external circuit element.

7. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members in either of said one and other blocks comprises a spring contact having flexible fingers disposed in said respective second or fourth recesses for engaging an external electrically conductive element.

8. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said blocks has grooves formed in lateral ends thereof, and a framework surrounding said array of blocks, said framework comprising a pair of plates having integral channels inserted in said grooves to hold said blocks in alignment, a pair of apertures end plates respectively abutting top and bottom ends of said array of blocks; threaded rods extending through said channels and apertures in said end plates; and nuts engaging said rods to maintain said framework in position surrounding said array.

9. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 8, wherein the rear face of said other block is formed with slots opening into said fourth recesses; lugs extending outward of the last named slots for attaching external circuit wires thereto; at least one of said electrically conductive members in each of said one and other blocks comprising a prong extending out of a slot in the front face thereof for engaging an external electrically conductive circuit element; and at least conductive circuit element. 

1. A modular electrical connector assembly, comprising a plurality of insulative blocks of equal cross sectional area, each block having a flat top and a flat bottom face and a front and a rear side, whereby the blocks may be placed one upon the other to form a stacked array with their respective front and rear sides in coplanar disposition, at least one of said blocks having a projection on one face thereof for engaging in a first recess in one face of an adjacent block in said array so that said blocks are prevented from twisting displacement in said array; said one block having a second recess in said one face; removable and interchangeable electrically conductive members in said second recess; the front side of said one block have the first slots opening into said second recess to provide access thereto, the rear side of said one block having second slots opening into said second recess, rear ends of said members extending outwardly of said second slots for attachment of external circuit wires thereto; said adjacent block having other projections on said one face thereof extending into said second recess to engage said conductive members therein and hold them in place in said second recess; and wherein each of said blocks has grooves formed in lateral ends thereof, and a framework surrounding said array of blocks, said framework comprising a pair of plates having integral channels inserted in said grooves to hold said blocks in alignment.
 2. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members comprises a prong extending out of said first slot in said front face of said one block for engaging an external circuit element.
 3. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members comprises a spring contact having flexible fingers disposed on one of said second recesses for engaging an external electrically conductive element.
 4. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said framework further comprises a pair of apertured end plates respectively abutting top and bottom ends of said array of blocks; threaded rods extending through said channels and apertures in said end plates; and nuts engaging said rods to maintain said framework in position surrounding said blocks.
 5. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 1, wherein another one of said blocks has one face thereof juxtaposed to the other face of said one block, said other face of said one block having third spaced recesses therein, said one face of said other block having other projections engaging in said third recesses, and having fourth spaced recesses; and further removable and interchangeable electrically conductive members in said fourth recesses; the front side of said other block having slots opening into said fourth recesses to provide access thereto.
 6. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in Claim 5, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members in either of said one and other blocks comprises a prong extending out of said respective second or fourth recesses to engage an external circuit element.
 7. A modular elecTrical connector assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein at least one of said electrically conductive members in either of said one and other blocks comprises a spring contact having flexible fingers disposed in said respective second or fourth recesses for engaging an external electrically conductive element.
 8. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said blocks has grooves formed in lateral ends thereof, and a framework surrounding said array of blocks, said framework comprising a pair of plates having integral channels inserted in said grooves to hold said blocks in alignment, a pair of apertures end plates respectively abutting top and bottom ends of said array of blocks; threaded rods extending through said channels and apertures in said end plates; and nuts engaging said rods to maintain said framework in position surrounding said array.
 9. A modular electrical connector assembly as defined in claim 8, wherein the rear face of said other block is formed with slots opening into said fourth recesses; lugs extending outward of the last named slots for attaching external circuit wires thereto; at least one of said electrically conductive members in each of said one and other blocks comprising a prong extending out of a slot in the front face thereof for engaging an external electrically conductive circuit element; and at least one of said electrically conductive members in each of said one and other blocks comprising a spring contact having flexible fingers for engaging another electrically conductive circuit element. 